Searches for weight-loss injections have surged by 646% in the UK following the government’s announcement of a new trial aimed at tackling obesity among the unemployed. The programme, which was unveiled on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, will provide weight-loss medication to help people return to work. This spike in interest highlights growing public curiosity about weight-loss treatments in the UK.
The data, collected by the weight-loss programme Second Nature, also revealed a sharp rise in searches for ‘Mounjaro’, the drug set to be used in the trial. Since the announcement, searches for Mounjaro have increased by 63%, while since the beginning of April, searches for the drug have soared by more than 900%.
Mounjaro is produced by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and is known for its effectiveness in treating obesity. It will be the focus of the five-year trial, which is expected to take place in Greater Manchester and will target more than 250,000 participants. The trial is a collaboration between Lilly and Health Innovation Manchester, part of a broader effort to reduce unemployment by addressing weight-related health challenges.
In addition to the interest in Mounjaro, the public has shown increased interest in other weight-loss injections. Searches for ‘Wegovy’, another popular anti-obesity drug, have risen by 97% since the government’s announcement. Wegovy has already been used in several countries to help manage weight in patients struggling with obesity.
The trial represents part of a larger strategy to address the UK’s growing obesity crisis, which has put significant strain on the NHS and contributed to a range of health issues, from diabetes to heart disease. By offering weight-loss injections to unemployed individuals struggling with obesity, the government hopes to improve public health and potentially reduce unemployment rates.
Mike Gibbs, co-founder of Second Nature, commented on the new data and the potential impact of the trial.
“The UK government’s weight-loss drug trial could have a significant effect on both public health and the economy,” Gibbs said. “With obesity levels rising and the NHS under pressure, treatments like Mounjaro offer a potential solution. However, it’s important to manage expectations, as these injections are not a quick fix and may not work for everyone.”
Gibbs also stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight management, warning against relying solely on medical treatments like injections.
“Weight-loss injections should be part of a wider strategy that includes balanced diets, regular exercise, and medical consultation. Personalised advice is key to ensuring that treatment plans are safe and effective for long-term health.”
The government’s new trial, set to begin soon, will be closely watched as part of a wider effort to determine whether weight-loss medications can play a meaningful role in addressing the UK’s obesity crisis and helping unemployed people return to the workforce. Whether the programme will meet these ambitious goals remains to be seen, but the surge in public interest indicates a high level of anticipation for the outcomes.
